Modular powered mover attachment

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for moving different movable loads. The apparatus includes channels that can be engaged by a fork lift, pallet jack, or other powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting plate disposed between the channels. The mounting plate includes a receiver channel. The apparatus includes a plurality of load support tools that can selectively engage the receiver channel. The load support tools include different respective end effectors. A load can be engaged with the end effector of a selected load support tool such that the apparatus can move the load.

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/259,815 filed Sep. 8, 2016 and entitled “Modular PoweredMover Attachment”, which claims benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/262,847, filed Dec. 3, 2015. Each of these applicationsis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Aspects described herein relate to a load mover, and more specifically,to a load mover for use with a powered vehicle, such as a forklift orpallet jack, with interchangeable load support tools with different endeffectors for engaging different types of loads.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, an apparatus for moving a load includes a pairof channels arranged in a spaced apart manner and arranged to receiveforks of a powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting platedisposed between the channels. The apparatus also includes a receiverchannel mounted to the mounting plate. The apparatus also includes aplurality of load support tools, wherein each load support tool includesan adaptor configured to be interchangeably inserted in the receiverchannel, wherein each of the plurality of load support tools includes adifferent end effector for engaging a different load.

According to one aspect, a mover includes a chassis and two load liftingforks extending in a substantially horizontal direction from thechassis. Each of the two load lifting forks includes a wheel toward adistal end of the fork. The forks can be selectively raised and loweredrelative to the chassis and the wheels. The mover also includes a moverplatform that includes a pair of channels arranged over the load liftingforks. The mover platform also includes a mounting plate disposedbetween the channels. The mover platform also includes a receiverchannel mounted to the mounting plate. The mover platform also includesa plurality of load support tools. Each load support tool includes anadaptor configured to be interchangeably inserted in the receiverchannel. Each of the plurality of load support tools includes adifferent end effector for engaging a different load.

According to one aspect, a load moving apparatus includes a steerablechassis and a mover platform extending from the chassis. The moverplatform includes a mounting plate extending from the chassis. The moverplatform also includes a receiver channel mounted to the mounting plate.The mover platform also includes a plurality of load support tools,wherein each load support tool includes an adaptor configured to beinterchangably inserted in the receiver channel, wherein each of theplurality of load support tools includes a different end effector forengaging a different load.

According to one aspect, an apparatus for moving a load includes a pairof channels arranged in a spaced apart manner and arranged to receiveforks of a powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting platedisposed between the channels. The apparatus also includes a loadsupport tool mounted to the mounting plate. The load support toolincludes a rectangular platform with vertical walls extending from twoopposing sides of the rectangular platform. The rectangular platform isconfigured to engage a bottom surface of a frame member of a load,wherein the vertical walls engage side surfaces of the frame member. Theload support tool includes a pivot, and wherein the rectangular platformand vertical walls can rotate about the pivot.

According to one aspect, a method of moving a load includes attaching amover platform to a powered mover. The method also includes selecting aload support tool from among a plurality of load support tools. Eachload support tool includes an adaptor configured to be interchangeablyinserted in a receiver of the mover platform. Each of the plurality ofload support tools includes a different end effector for engagingdifferent loads. The selected load support tool includes an end effectorfor engaging a target load. The method also includes engaging theselected load support tool in the receiver of the mover platform. Themethod also includes positioning the powered mover and mover platformsuch that the end effector of the selected load support tool is alignedfor engagement with the target load. The method also includes raisingthe mover platform, using the powered mover, to engage the end effectorwith the target load. The method also includes moving the powered moverand mover platform to move the target load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a mover platform, according to at leastone aspect, for use with a forklift or pallet jack, wherein the moverplatform includes a receiver channel and a plurality of storagereceivers that engage different load support tools with different endeffectors, and wherein a first load support tool is engaged with thereceiver channel;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the mover platform FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a front view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a perspective exploded view of the mover platform FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A with asecond load support tool engaged with the receiver channel;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A with athird load support tool engaged with the receiver channel;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A alignedwith a mover prior to engagement with the mover;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A engagedwith the mover of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mover platform integrated with amover, according to at least one aspect;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A engaged with themover of FIG. 3A, wherein a load support tool with a pintle hitch endeffector is engaged with a lunette ring of a cart, such as a groundsupport equipment cart;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A engaged with themover of FIG. 3A, wherein a load support tool with a 14 inch claw endeffector is engaged with a bottom tread of an air stair structure; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of the mover platform of FIG. 1A engaged with themover of FIG. 3A, wherein a load support tool with a 4 inch claw endeffector is engaged with a frame member of a movable platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, reference is made to aspects presented in thisdisclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limitedto specific described aspects. Instead, any combination of the followingfeatures and elements, whether related to different aspects or not, iscontemplated to implement and practice contemplated aspects.Furthermore, although aspects disclosed herein may achieve advantagesover other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not aparticular advantage is achieved by a given aspect is not limiting ofthe scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following aspects,features, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not consideredelements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitlyrecited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall notbe construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matterdisclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element orlimitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in aclaim(s).

In various work environments, such as a manufacturing floor forcommercial aircraft, equipment such as air stairs, movable workplatforms, and ground support equipment must be moved around. Forexample, commercial aircraft are often constructed in an assembly-linemanner in which an aircraft moves from station to station with certainassembly tasks performed at each station. When an aircraft is to bemoved to a particular station, construction equipment, such as workplatforms and air stairs, are moved out of the way to provide room forthe moving aircraft and then moved back into place after the aircraft ispositioned at the station. For larger pieces of construction equipmentwhich can weigh several thousand pounds, four, five, six, or moreworkers may be needed to move and position construction equipment. Insuch circumstances, it could be possible for the construction equipmentto be mistakenly bumped into the aircraft and potentially cause damage.Additionally, in such circumstances, the workers could become fatiguedfrom pushing

Aspects described herein include a mover platform with a receiver thatcan engage different load support tools, wherein each load support toolhas a different end effector for engaging different equipment. The loadsupport tools can be exchanged in the receiver such that the moverplatform can handle a variety of different equipment. The mover platformcan be integral with or attached to a powered moving device, such as aforklift or a powered pallet jack, which can provide sufficient power tomove the large equipment engaged by the mover platform and selected loadsupport tool. As a result, workers will not have to push the equipmentaround and the equipment may be precisely positioned by the poweredmoving device.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a mover platform 100 according to one aspect thatincludes a pair of channels 102 that can engage forks of a forklift orpallet jack, such as the pallet jack 200 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B,described in greater detail below. A mounting plate 112 is arrangedbetween the channels 102. In various aspects, the channels 102 includebrackets 108 with fastener holes or slots 110. As discussed in greaterdetail below with reference to FIG. 3A and FIGS. 5-7, fasteners can passthrough the slots 110 to engage fastener holes in the pallet jack 200 orthe fork lift. In various aspects, the pair of channels 102 includeholes 106 through a top portion of the channels 102. Fasteners can passthrough the holes 106 to engage fastener holes in forks of the palletjack 200 or the forklift. In various aspects, an interior top surface104 of the pair of channels 102 could be covered with a rubber materialor other tractive surface to prevent, minimize, or reduce slipping ofthe channels 102 relative to forks of the pallet jack 200 or theforklift.

A receiver channel 114 is mounted to the mounting plate 114 in asubstantially horizontal orientation, meaning that a longitudinal axisof the receiver channel 114 is substantially horizontal. FIGS. 1A-1Eillustrate the mover platform 100 with a first load support tool 120 isengaged with the receiver channel 114. The mover platform 100 alsoincludes first and second storage channels 116 and 118 that can holdadditional load support tools. FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a second loadsupport tool 160 engaged in the first storage channel 116 and a thirdload support tool 180 engaged in the second storage channel 118. Invarious aspects, the second storage channel 116 and the third storagechannel 118 are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation,meaning that longitudinal axes of the storage channels 116 and 118 aresubstantially vertical. Such a substantially vertical orientation couldbe advantageous because gravity would reduce the likelihood that theload support tools stored in the storage channels 116 and 118 would fallout. The storage channels 116 and 118 can include respective plungers117 and 119 that can engage holes in posts of load support tools tofurther retain the load support tools.

FIG. 1E illustrates the first load support tool 120, the second loadsupport tool 160, and the third load support tool 180 in an explodedview. The first load support tool includes an end effector that has afirst rectangular platform 136 with vertical walls 138 extending fromthe first rectangular platform 136. In various aspects, the verticalwalls 138 have the same height. In various other aspects, the verticalwalls 138 have different heights. The first load support tool 120includes an adaptor post 122 that engages the receiver channel 114 (orthe respective storage channels 116 and 118). As illustrated, theadaptor post 122 slides into the receiver channel 114. The adaptor post122 includes a hole 124 that can align with a hole 113 in the receiverchannel 114 (or holes in the storage channels 116 and 118). A pin 115can be inserted through the holes 113 and 124 in the receiver channel114 and the adaptor post 122, respectively, to temporarily affix theadaptor post 122 in the receiver channel 114. The pin 115 could be heldin place with a retainer clip or like device. A plunger, such as theplungers 117 and 119 in the respective storage channels 116 and 118,could also engage the hole 124 in the adaptor post 122. The adaptor post122 also includes a cylindrical port 122 that accommodates a pivot 128attached to the first rectangular platform 136. The pivot 128 engagesthe cylindrical port 122 such that the first rectangular platform 136can rotate about the pivot 128. The pivot 128 includes a circumferentialgroove 130. The adaptor post 122 includes a hole 132 that can receive afastener 134, such as a threaded fastener. When the fastener 134 isengaged in the hole 132, an end of the fastener 134 extends into thecylindrical port 126 and engages the circumferential groove 130 of thepivot 128, thereby preventing the pivot 128 from separating from theadaptor post 122.

FIG. 1E also illustrates in an exploded view of the second load supporttool 160 engaged with the first storage channel 116. The second loadsupport tool 160 includes an end effector having a second rectangularplatform 178 with vertical walls 179 extending from the firstrectangular platform 178. In various aspects, the vertical walls 179have the same height. In various other aspects, the vertical walls 179have different heights. The dimensions of sides of the secondrectangular platform and/or the height(s) of the vertical walls 179 ofthe second end effector are different from the dimensions of the sidesof the rectangular platform 136 and/or the height(s) of the verticalwalls 138 of the first end effector 120. The second load support tool160 includes an L-bracket post 162. The L-bracket post 162 includes anadaptor post portion 164 that engages the receiver channel 114 or one ofthe respective storage receivers 116 and 118. As illustrated in FIG. 1E,the adaptor post portion 164 slides into the first storage channel 116.The adaptor post portion 164 includes a hole 166 that can align with theplunger 117 in the first storage channel 116 to temporarily affix theadaptor post 122 in the receiver channel 114. The L-bracket post 162also includes a receiver portion 168 configured as a receiver channel.The receiver portion accommodates a pivot post 172 for the second 128attached to the first rectangular platform 136. The pivot post 172includes a plurality of holes 174 there through. When the pivot post 172is engaged in the receiver portion 168 of the L-bracket 162, one of theholes 174 in the pivot post 172 can be aligned with a hole 170 in thereceiver portion 168. A pin 171 or other fastener can be insertedthrough the hole 170 in the receiver portion 168 and the aligned hole174 in the pivot post 172 to temporarily affix the pivot post relativeto the receiver portion 168. As discussed in greater detail below withreference to FIG. 2B, an operator can change a distance of the secondrectangular platform 178 from the receiver portion 168 of the L-bracket162 by selectively aligning different ones of the holes 174 through thepivot post 172 with the hole 170 in the receiver portion 168. Similar tothe first load support tool 120, the second rectangular platformincludes a pivot 176 that can engage a cylindrical port in the pivotpost 172 such that the second rectangular platform 178 can rotate aboutthe pivot 176.

FIG. 1E also illustrates in an exploded view the third storage tool 180engaged with the second storage channel 118. The third load support tool180 includes an end effector that has a pintle hitch 188. The pintlehitch 188 includes a pintle hook 190 that can engage a lunette ring ofground support equipment, for example. The third load support tool 180includes an adaptor post 182 that engages the second storage channel 118(or the first storage channel 116 or the receiver channel 114). Theadaptor post 182 includes a hole 184 that can align with the plunger 119in the second storage channel 118. When the adaptor post 182 is engagedin the second storage channel 118, the plunger 119 can pass through thehole 184 in the adaptor post 182 to temporarily secure the adaptor post182 in the second storage channel 118. The third load support tool 118includes a universal plate 186 arranged at an end of the adaptor post182. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 2A, the universal plate 186includes an array of fastener holes 187 therethrough. The pintle hitch188 includes a base 192 with a plurality of fastener holes. Fasteners,such as bolts 194, can be inserted through the plurality of fastenerholes in the base 192 and through selected fastener holes 187 in theuniversal plate 186 to position the pintle hitch 188 on the universalplate 186 in one of several possible positions.

The first and second storage channels 116 and 118, respectively, areoptional features. In various aspects, load support tools that are notbeing used (e.g., not engaged in the receiver channel 114) could bestored at a location away from the mover platform 100. However,including storage channels on the mover platform 100 for at least someof the load support tools can be advantageous in certain circumstances.For example, storing the load support tools on the mover platform 100provides for ready access to the load support tools and relatively fastinterchangeability between the load support tools. Additionally,environments in which foreign object debris concerns exist, such as anaircraft manufacturing or maintenance facility, storing the load supporttools in storage channels 116 and 118 of the mover platform 100 canprovide ready visual confirmation that no load support tools were lefton the ground and/or in an aircraft. For example, if a storage channel116 or 118 on the mover platform 100 is empty, then workers know to lookfor a missing load support tool.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the mover platform 100 is shown with the thirdload support tool 180 engaged in the receiver channel 114 and securedwith the pin 115. FIG. 2A shows the first load support tool 120 engagedin the first storage channel 116 and the second load support tool 160engaged in the second storage channel 118. FIG. 2A illustrates theuniversal plate 186 of the third load support tool 180 with theplurality of fastener holes 187 arranged in a vertical pattern. Asdiscussed above, selectively inserting the fasteners 194 through certainfastener holes 187 in the universal plate 186 can result in changing aheight position of the pintle hitch 188 relative to the receiver 114 andthe mounting plate 112.

Now referring to FIG. 2B, the mover platform 100 is shown with thesecond load support tool 160 engaged in the receiver channel 114 andsecured with the pin 115. FIG. 2B shows the first load support tool 120engaged in the first storage channel 116 and the second load supporttool 180 engaged in the second storage channel 118. As shown in FIG. 2B,the pivot post 172 of the second load support tool 160 sits completelywithin the receiver portion 168 of the L-bracket 162. By selectivelyaligning different holes 174 in the pivot post 172 (shown in FIG. 1E), aheight position of the pivot post 172 and the second rectangularplatform 178 can be adjusted relative to the receiver 114 and themounting plate 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, the mover platform 100 can be engaged witha powered mover such as the pallet jack 200, a forklift, or otherpowered moving vehicle. The illustrated pallet jack 200 includes achassis 204. The chassis 204 houses a battery 206 as well as an electricmotor and driven wheel. The driven wheel is steerable with a handle 216that can be turned side to side in the direction of arrows C. The motorcan be controlled with a motorcycle-style rotatable grip 218 to move thepallet jack 200 in the direction of arrow A or in an opposite direction.The pallet jack 200 includes two forks 212 extending from the chassis204. The two forks 212 can engage loads (e.g., pallets or the moverplatform 100). The forks 212 could include fastener holes 213therethrough in certain aspects. As discussed above, when the moverplatform 100 is engaged with the pallet jack 200, as shown in FIG. 3B,fasteners could be inserted through the fastener holes 106 in thechannels 102 and into the fastener holes 213 in the forks 212 to securethe mover platform 100 to the pallet jack 200. The chassis 204 includesa backstop plate 208 against which the loads can abut. In certainaspects, the backstop plate 208 could include fastener holes 210therethrough. When the mover platform 100 is engaged with the palletjack 200, as shown in FIG. 3B, fasteners could be inserted through theslots 110 in the brackets and into the fastener holes 210 in thebackstop plate 208 to secure the mover platform 100 to the pallet jack200. Ends of the two forks 212 are supported by wheels or rollers 214.At least a portion of the chassis 204 and the forks 212 can be raised orlowered in the direction of arrows B.

In use, the pallet jack 200 can be steered to a position such that theforks 212 align with the pair of channels 102 of the mover platform 100(where in the mover platform 100 is resting on the ground), as shown inFIG. 3A. The pallet jack 200 is then moved in the direction of arrow Asuch that the forks 212 pass through the channels 102, as shown in FIG.3B. After the forks 212 of the pallet jack 200 engage the channels 102of the mover platform 100, the forks 212 can be at least partiallyraised such that the forks 212 contact a top interior surface 104 of thechannels 102. When the forks 212 contact the top interior surface 104 ofthe channels 102, fastener slots 110 in the brackets 108 of the moverplatform 100 may align with the fastener holes 210 in the backstop plate208 and/or fastener holes 106 in the channels 102 of the mover plate 100may align with fastener holes 213 in the forks 212 of the pallet jack200. Fasteners 111 (shown in FIGS. 5-7) could be inserted through thefastener slots 110 and secured in the fastener holes 210 in the backstopplate 208 and/or fasteners 107 could be inserted through the fastenerholes 106 in the channels 102 and secured in the fastener holes 213 inthe forks 212 to secure the mover platform 100 to the pallet jack 200.In various aspects, the top interior surface 104 of the channels 102could include a tractive surface, such as a rubber with a texturedpattern, that increases friction between the channels 102 in the forks212, thereby minimizing, reducing, or eliminating slipping of thechannels 102 relative to the forks 212. In such aspects, the brackets108 and the fasteners 107 and 111 could be omitted. In various aspects,the mover platform and/or the pallet jack could include a cam lockingmechanism that are operable to urges the forks 212 into contact with thetop interior surface 104 of the channels 102 or an opposing bottominterior surface 105 of the channels 102. For example, the cam lockingmechanism could include an over-center locking cam that urges the forks212 into contact with the top interior surface 104 of the channels 102or the bottom interior surface 105 of the channels 102. Friction betweenthe forks 212 and the interior surfaces of the channels 102 could holdthe mover platform 100 in place on the forks 212.

FIG. 3B illustrates two weights 250 arranged on the mover platform 100when the mover platform 100 is engaged with the pallet jack 200. Sincepallet jacks are designed to lift and move loads, certain pallet jacksmay be more stable when a load is applied to the forks 212.Additionally, such pallet jacks may have better traction when a load isapplied. Certain applications of the mover platform 100 may result in aminimal load on the forks 212. For example, use of the third loadsupport tool 180 with the pintle hook 188 may result in a relativelysmall load on the forks. The weights 250 could be optionally added toincrease the load on the forks 212, thereby increasing the stability ofthe pallet jack 200. The weights 250 could be a plurality of smallweights, such as the two weights depicted in FIG. 3B. In other aspects,the weights 250 could include three or more weights distributed aboutthe mover platform 100 or a single weight on the mover platform 100. Invarious aspects, the weights 250 could be strapped to the mover platform100 or otherwise held in place on the mover platform 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates an aspect in which a mover 300 includes an integralmover platform. The mover 300 is illustrated as a pallet jack thatincludes a chassis 306 that carries a battery 310 as well as an electricmotor and driven wheel. The driven wheel is steerable with a handle 312that can be turned side to side in the direction of arrows C. The motorcan be controlled with a motorcycle style rotatable grip 314 to move themover 300 in the direction of arrow A or in an opposite direction. Themover 300 includes forks 304 extending from the chassis 306. A mountingplate 302 can extend from a backstop plate 308 of the chassis 306between the forks 304. Further, the mounting plate 302 can be supportedby the forks 304. For example, the mounting plate 302 could be welded tothe forks 304 or fastened to the forks using bolts or similar fasteners.The receiver channel 114 and storage channels 116 and 118 can be mountedto the mounting plate 302. The load support tools 120, 160, and 180 canbe interchangeably engaged with the receiver channel 114 and the storagechannels 116 and 118. Weights 250 can be mounted to the forks 304 and/orthe mounting plate 302 to provide stability for the pallet jack 300 incertain circumstances, as discussed above.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the pallet jack 200 and mover platform100 (as shown in FIG. 3B) with the third load support tool 180 (havingthe pintle hitch 190 end effector) engaged with the receiver channel114. The second load support tool 160 is engaged with the first storagereceiver 116 and the first load support tool 120 is engaged with thesecond storage receiver 118. The chassis 204 and the forks of the palletjack 200 are raised (in the direction of arrow B) above the ground suchthat the mover platform 100 is elevated off the ground. The rollers 214of the forks extend downward on arms 213 to support ends of the forks212. FIG. 5 illustrates fasteners 111 in the brackets 108 and thebackstop plate 208 and fasteners 107 in the channels 102 in the forks212. In various circumstances, either fasteners 111 or fasteners 107would be used. The pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 are engagedwith a ground support equipment cart 500. Examples of ground supportequipment carts 500 include, but are not limited to, 400 Hz invertercarts, movable aircraft jacks, hydraulic supply carts, and powerdistribution carts. The ground support equipment cart 500 includes achassis 502 mounted on wheels 504. At least some of the wheels 504 aresteerable. For example, the ground support equipment cart 500 couldinclude a swiveled front axle attached to a tow bar 506, wherein steeredwheels are attached to the front axle. As the ground support equipmentcart 500 is pulled by the tow bar 506 and the pallet jack 200, the towbar 506 urges the swiveled front axle such that the steered wheels areturned to follow the pallet jack 200 pulling. The chassis 502 includes aload 510, such as an inverter, hydraulic pump and hydraulic supply, or abattery, for example. The chassis 502 includes the tow bar 506 with alunette ring 508 at the end. The lunette ring 508 is engaged with thepintle hook 188 of the third load support tool 180. An operator can usethe handle 216 and motorcycle style grip 218 of the pallet jack 200 tomove the pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 into position next tothe ground support equipment cart 500. The operator can then move thetow bar 506 to engage the lunette ring 508 with the pintle hook 188.After the ground support equipment cart 500 is connected to the moverplatform 100 via the lunette ring 508 and the pintle hook 188, theoperator can operate the pallet jack 200 to move and steer the groundsupport equipment cart 500. As discussed above, use of the pintle hook188 to move a ground support equipment cart 500 that has a lunette ring508 may not provide much load on the forks 212 of the pallet jack 200.In such circumstances, weights 250 can be added to the mover platform100 to help stabilize the pallet jack 200.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the pallet jack 200 and mover platform100 (as shown in FIG. 3B) with the first load support tool 120 (thefirst rectangular platform 136) engaged with the receiver hitch 114. Thesecond load support tool 160 is engaged with the first storage receiver116 and the third load support tool 180 is engaged with the secondstorage receiver 118. The pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 areengaged with movable air stairs 600. The air stairs 600 includes a frame606 supported on a plurality of wheels 608. One of the wheels 608 isindicated in broken line to illustrate details of the first load supporttool 120 engaging the air stairs 600. The air stairs 600 include aplurality of steps 602 and 604 that, when the movable air stairs 600 arearranged next to an aircraft, lead from the ground to an aircraft door.The air stairs 600 are shown in a partial cross section so as to notobscure the details of the first load support tool 120 engaging thefirst step 602 of the air stairs 600. In use, the pallet jack 200 andmover platform 100 are maneuvered such that the rectangular platform 136of the first load support tool 120 is under the first step 602 of theair stairs 600 with one of the vertical walls 138 extending from therectangular platform 136 arranged in front of the first step 602 and theremaining vertical wall 138 arranged behind the first step 602. Afterthe rectangular platform 136 is aligned with the first step 602, thepallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 are raised up in the direction ofarrow B such that the rectangular platform 136 engages a bottom surfaceof the step 602 and at least partially lifts the front step 602. Forexample, in various aspects, the pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100may lift the front step 602 such that the wheels 608 of the air stairs600 closest to the front step 602 lift off the ground. In various otheraspects, the pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 may lift the frontstep 602 such that the wheels 608 remain on the ground, but asignificant portion of the weight of the air stairs 600 typicallycarried by the wheels 608 is instead carried by the mover platform 100and pallet jack 200. After the pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100are raised such that the first rectangular platform 136 contacts thefirst step 602, an operator can use the handle 216 and the motorcyclestyle grip 218 to maneuver the pallet jack 200, the mover platform 100,and the air stairs 600 to position the air stairs 600 in a desiredlocation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the pallet jack 200 and mover platform100 (as shown in FIG. 3B) with the second load support tool 160 (thesecond rectangular platform 178) engaged with the receiver hitch 114.The third load support tool 180 is engaged with the first storagereceiver 116 and the first load support tool 120 is engaged with thesecond storage receiver 118. The pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100are engaged with a movable platform 700. The platform 700 includes framemembers 702, 704, and 706 supported on a plurality of wheels 712.Additional frame members 708 and 710 can support an elevated platform.The platform could be arranged next to an aircraft to allow workers tostand on the elevated platform and perform assembly and/or maintenanceoperations on exterior portions of the aircraft that are not reachablefrom the ground. One of the wheels 712 is indicated in broken line butotherwise not shown to illustrate details of the second load supporttool 160 engaging the platform 700. The platform 700 is shown in apartial cross section so as to not obscure the details of the secondload support tool 160 engaging the frame member 704 of the platform 700.In use, the pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 are maneuvered suchthat the rectangular platform 178 of the second load support tool 160 isunder the frame member 704 with one of the vertical walls 179 extendingfrom the rectangular platform 178 arranged in front of the frame member704 and the remaining vertical wall 179 arranged behind the frame member704. After the rectangular platform 178 is aligned with the frame member704, the pallet jack 200 and mover platform 100 are raised up in thedirection of arrow B such that the rectangular platform 178 engages abottom surface of the frame member 704 and at least partially lifts theframe member 704. For example, in various aspects, the pallet jack 200and mover platform 100 may lift the frame member 704 such that thewheels 712 of the platform closest to the frame member 704 lift off theground. In various other aspects, the pallet jack 200 and mover platform100 may lift the frame member 704 such that the wheels 712 remain on theground, but a significant portion of the weight of the platform 700typically carried by the wheels 712 is instead carried by the moverplatform 100 and pallet jack 200. After the pallet jack 200 and moverplatform 100 are raised such that the first rectangular platform 178contacts the frame member 704, an operator can use the handle 216 andthe motorcycle style grip 218 to maneuver the pallet jack 200, the moverplatform 100, and the platform 700 to position the platform in a desiredlocation.

In the aspects described above, the first load support tool 120, thesecond load support tool 160, and third load support tool 180 areexemplary load support tools. In various aspects, additional loadsupport tools that include other end effectors for engagement with othertypes of movable loads are contemplated.

In various circumstances, it may be advantageous to limit the speed of apowered mover, such as the pallet jack 200 discussed above. For example,it may be desirable to limit the speed at which the air stairs 600,discussed in FIG. 6, can be moved toward an aircraft to reduce thechance of bumping into an aircraft with the air stairs 600. In variousaspects, the mover platform 100 could communicate with the mover (e.g.,the pallet jack 200) to provide a speed limit for the mover depending onthe load support tool being used. For example, the mover platform 100could include mechanical and/or electrical sensors that detect whichload support tool is engaged with the receiver channel 114. For example,if the first load support tool 120 is engaged with the receiver channel114, such sensors could identify the first load support tool 120 andcommunicate such identity to a computer processor or controller for thepallet jack 200. In response, the controller of the pallet jack 200could limit a top speed of the pallet jack 200 to a maximum safe speedfor maneuvering the air stairs 600. As another example, ground supportequipment, such as the ground support equipment cart 500 illustrated inFIG. 5 may never need to be placed close to an aircraft. Consequently,it may be permissible to operate the pallet jack 200 (or other mover) atits top permissible speed while moving such ground support equipmentcarts 500. Thus, if sensors in the mover platform 100 detect the thirdload support tool 180 with the pintle hook 188, the controller of thepallet jack 200 could enable the pallet jack 200 to be moved at its topspeed.

In various aspects, speed control of the pallet jack 200 or other movercould be based on a proximity to an aircraft. For example, a perimeterof a work area for an aircraft could be defined by a wire below amanufacturing floor carrying a detectable radiofrequency signal. Thepallet jack 200 or other mover could include a radio receiver thatdetects the radiofrequency signal and that is in communication with acontroller for the pallet jack 200. In the event of the pallet jack 200crosses over the wire, the radio receiver detects the radiofrequencysignal. In response, the controller of the pallet jack 200 can limit atop speed of the pallet jack 200 to a maximum safe speed for maneuveringthe air stairs 600 the movable platform 700, or other movable equipment.When the pallet jack 200 crosses over the wire a second time (leavingthe work area for the aircraft), the radio receiver again detects thesignal. In response, the controller of the pallet jack can enable thepallet check 200 to be moved at its top speed again.

In various aspects, the pallet jack 200 (or other mover) and/or themovable platform 100 could include proximity sensors. Additionally,proximity sensors could be attached to strategic locations of loadsbeing moved by the pallet jack 200 and the movable platform 100. Forexample, a proximity sensor could be placed at the top of the air stairs600 along an edge of the air stairs 600 facing an aircraft fuselage. Theproximity sensors could be in communication with a controller for thepallet jack 200. In the event that any of the proximity sensors detect aclose by object e.g., an aircraft, other structures in the environment,and/or people in the environment, the controller could automaticallyreduce the top speed of the pallet jack 200. In instances in which theproximity sensors did detect an object within a threshold distance, thecontroller could automatically stop the pallet jack 200.

The descriptions of the various aspects described herein have beenpresented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the aspects disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the described aspects.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe aspects, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the aspects disclosed herein.

While the foregoing is directed to certain aspects, other and furtheraspects may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof,and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A load moving apparatus, comprising: a steerablechassis; two forks extending from the chassis; and a mover platformcomprising: a mounting plate extending from the chassis, wherein themounting plate is arranged between and rigidly attached to the twoforks; a receiver channel mounted to the mounting plate; and a pluralityof load support tools, wherein each load support tool includes anadaptor configured to be interchangably inserted in the receiverchannel, wherein each of the plurality of load support tools includes adifferent end effector for engaging a different load.
 2. The load movingapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of storagereceiver channels arranged on the mounting plate, wherein the pluralityof storage receiver channels are configured to store the plurality ofload support tools when the load support tools are not inserted in thereceiver channel.
 3. The load moving apparatus of claim 2, wherein theplurality of storage receiver channels are arranged in a substantiallyvertical orientation.
 4. The load moving apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe end effector of a first load support tool of the plurality of loadsupport tools comprises a pintle hitch configured to engage a lunettering on a load.
 5. The load moving apparatus of claim 4, wherein thefirst load support tool includes a universal plate with a plurality ofpairs of height adjustment holes, wherein the pintle hitch includes aplurality of mounting holes, and wherein fasteners can be selectivelyapplied through the mounting holes in the pintle hitch and a pair of theheight adjustment holes to set a height of the pintle hitch.
 6. The loadmoving apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first load support tool of theplurality of load support tools includes a rectangular platform withvertical walls extending from two opposing sides of the rectangularplatform, wherein the rectangular platform is configured to engage abottom surface of a frame member of a load, and wherein the verticalwalls engage side surfaces of the frame member.
 7. The load movingapparatus of claim 6, wherein the first load support tool furtherincludes a pivot, and wherein the rectangular platform and the verticalwalls are rotatable about the pivot.
 8. The load moving apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein a second load support tool of the plurality of loadsupport tools includes a second rectangular platform with secondvertical walls extending from two opposing sides of the secondrectangular platform, wherein the sides of the second rectangularplatform have different dimensions than sides of the first rectangularplatform, wherein the second rectangular platform is configured toengage a bottom surface of a second frame member of a second load, andwherein the vertical walls engage side surfaces of the second framemember.
 9. The load moving apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second loadsupport tool further includes a second pivot, wherein the secondrectangular platform and the second vertical walls are rotatable aboutthe second pivot.
 10. The load moving apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a weight that is selectively attachable to the moverplatform to stabilize the chassis and the two forks.
 11. The load movingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver channel is disposed near adistal end of the two forks.
 12. The load moving apparatus of claim 1,wherein the receiver channel receives the adaptor along a firstlongitudinal axis that is parallel to longitudinal axes of the twoforks.
 13. The load moving apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: aplurality of storage receiver channels arranged on the mounting plate,wherein the first longitudinal axis is perpendicular to longitudinalaxes of the storage receiver channels.
 14. The load moving apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the receiver channel is arranged in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation, and wherein the plurality of storage receiverchannels are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation.
 15. Amethod of moving a load, comprising: positioning, using a steerablechassis, a mover platform to align a first end effector with a targetload, wherein the first end effector is included in a first load supporttool of a plurality of load support tools, wherein each of the pluralityof load support tools includes a different end effector for engagingdifferent loads and further includes an adaptor for inserting into areceiver channel of the mover platform, wherein a first adaptor of thefirst load support tool is inserted into the receiver channel; raisingthe mover platform to engage the first end effector with the targetload; and moving, when the first end effector is engaged with the targetload, the mover platform to move the target load.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the receiver channel is mounted to a mounting plateextending from the steerable chassis, and wherein the mounting plate isarranged between and rigidly attached to two forks extending from thesteerable chassis.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:attaching one or more weights to the mover platform to stabilize thechassis and the two forks.
 18. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: storing, in one or more storage receiver channels arrangedon the mounting plate, at least a second load support tool from theplurality of load support tools.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein thereceiver channel is arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation,and wherein the one or more storage receiver channels are arranged in asubstantially vertical orientation.
 20. The method of claim 15, whereinthe end effector of the first load support tool of the plurality of loadsupport tools comprises a pintle hitch configured to engage a lunettering on a load, wherein the first load support tool includes a universalplate with a plurality of pairs of height adjustment holes, and whereinthe pintle hitch includes a plurality of mounting holes, the methodfurther comprising: inserting one or more fasteners through the mountingholes in the pintle hitch and a selected pair of the height adjustmentholes to set a height of the pintle hitch.